The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Johnny have you seen her-She was headed out this way
And I notice, that you don't have much to say
Do you think that she's been wanderin', a little far from home?
Oh Johnny tell me, what's been goin' on
Johnny can you hear me, 'cause I could really use a friend
And I've known you, since before I can't say when
Did you think I was the kind of man, to leave well enough alone?
Oh Johnny tell me, what's been goin' on
IF YOU COULD LOOK INSIDE THIS TORTURED HEART OF MINE
YOU WOULD SEE THE PAIN I'M GOIN' THROUGH
CAN YOU LOOK ME IN THE EYES AND TELL IF I AM BLIND
MAYBE THEN I MIGHT BELIEVE YOU (Oh yeh)
'Cause I wanna believe you
Johnny did she tell you, that her heart belongs to me?
And did she tell you, that I will never set her free?
For the vows that we made years ago, are carved upon a stone
Oh Johnny tell me, what's been goin' on
(CHORUS)..Oh yeh
'Cause I wanna believe you
Johhny, Yeh!
Johnny have you seen her-She was headed out this way
And I notice, that you don't have much to say
You can take me for the fool I am-That's where the line is drawn
Oh Johnny tell me, what's been goin' on
(CHORUS 2x)
I wanna believe you
I wanna believe you
Yeh I wanna believe you
And I notice, that you don't have much to say
Do you think that she's been wanderin', a little far from home?
Oh Johnny tell me, what's been goin' on
Johnny can you hear me, 'cause I could really use a friend
And I've known you, since before I can't say when
Did you think I was the kind of man, to leave well enough alone?
Oh Johnny tell me, what's been goin' on
IF YOU COULD LOOK INSIDE THIS TORTURED HEART OF MINE
YOU WOULD SEE THE PAIN I'M GOIN' THROUGH
CAN YOU LOOK ME IN THE EYES AND TELL IF I AM BLIND
MAYBE THEN I MIGHT BELIEVE YOU (Oh yeh)
'Cause I wanna believe you
Johnny did she tell you, that her heart belongs to me?
And did she tell you, that I will never set her free?
For the vows that we made years ago, are carved upon a stone
Oh Johnny tell me, what's been goin' on
(CHORUS)..Oh yeh
'Cause I wanna believe you
Johhny, Yeh!
Johnny have you seen her-She was headed out this way
And I notice, that you don't have much to say
You can take me for the fool I am-That's where the line is drawn
Oh Johnny tell me, what's been goin' on
(CHORUS 2x)
I wanna believe you
I wanna believe you
Yeh I wanna believe you
Lyrics submitted by justthisguyyaknow
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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Great version of a great song,
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